Bicycle Friendly University

Emory University| Bronze Level

University Highlights: The campus of Emery University is compact and traveling campus by bike is safe and convenient, and Atlanta’s weather allows cyclists to ride year round. Bicycle parking is plentiful and available at almost every campus destination. There are very safe connections from Emory to some of the Atlanta’s best neighborhoods and the PATH bicycle network. The PATH bicycle off-street paths allow cyclists easy access to Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park and Downtown Atlanta. In 2007, Emory’s leadership committed to creating a bicycle culture and support for Bike Emory is still strong four years later. Emory spent $250,000 (including partner contributions) to launch the Bike Emory program. This funding was used to create a bicycle sharing system, build a website, launch a mobile repair center, provide discounted bicycles and execute a comprehensive marketing and bicycle safety campaign. As a part of the University’s bicycle safety campaign Bike Emory gave away 15 new bicycles, and over 200 free helmets, u-locks and lights to students, faculty and staff. The investment in Bike Emory created a bicycle program director position and established a central office that works on improvements for cyclists both on and off Emory’s campus. This office also provides content for the Bike Emory website, plans events, operates on-going programs (repair center, sales, bike share, etc.) and represents cyclists on campus-wide committees. Bike lanes or other traffic calming devices have been added to almost all Emory-controlled through streets. Emory has committed to remove the barriers preventing staff and students from riding a bicycle by providing great incentives. Students, faculty and staff are eligible to buy new bicycles and accessories through the University at a discount (10-15 percent off) and receive 90 days of free maintenance from Bicycle South. In addition, bicycle commuters get a plethora of freebies plus a parking pass that allows them to park 20 days a year.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
Emory announced a partnership with Georgia Tech to develop a new automated bike share system in 2011. Over the past year Bike Emory has been working with a team of Georgia Tech engineering students to develop a first of its kind automated bike sharing system for Emory. Along the way Bike Emory supported Georgia Tech’s winning grant submission to the Ford Foundation for their College Community Challenge award. The award, in the amount of $50,000 will support the development and implementation of the system. Future plans call for fleets at Georgia Tech and in neighborhoods between both campuses that will integrate with Emory’s system to create a continuous corridor of bicycle transit.

Most Compelling Fact:Emory committed millions to produce award-winning (Congress for New Urbanism) Urban Design Guidelines, which include comprehensive plans for bicycle infrastructure.